NFL Playoff Contenders: 2023's Fringe Teams With The Best Shot

David

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Post on May 08, 2025

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NFL Playoff Contenders: 2023's Fringe Teams with the Best Shot

The NFL regular season is a marathon, not a sprint. But as we approach the halfway point, the playoff picture is starting to sharpen, revealing some intriguing contenders on the fringes. While the usual suspects like the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills dominate headlines, several teams are quietly building momentum and possess a legitimate shot at a postseason berth. This article delves into the 2023 NFL season and highlights those fringe teams with the best chance of making a surprise playoff run.

The Contenders on the Bubble:

Several teams find themselves in a precarious position, hovering just outside the playoff picture. Their paths to the postseason are challenging but not impossible, requiring strong finishes and a little bit of luck.

1. New York Jets: The Jets, boosted by the arrival of Aaron Rodgers, have the offensive firepower to compete with anyone. However, inconsistency and injuries have plagued their campaign. Their playoff hopes hinge on Rodgers' continued excellence and a tightening of their defensive play. Their remaining schedule presents a mix of challenging and winnable games, meaning their success rests on executing consistently. Key to success: Maintaining health and winning divisional matchups.

2. Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys, perennial playoff contenders, have shown flashes of brilliance but also frustrating inconsistency. Their defense, historically a strength, needs to regain its dominance. Dak Prescott needs to minimize turnovers and lead consistent offensive drives. A strong finish, particularly against divisional rivals, is crucial for their playoff aspirations. Key to success: Defensive consistency and improved offensive efficiency.

3. Washington Commanders: The Commanders' success hinges on the continued development of their young quarterback, Sam Howell. A strong running game and a solid defense will be crucial in their playoff push. They need to capitalize on favorable matchups and minimize losses against tougher opponents. Key to success: Howell's continued growth and consistent defensive performance.

4. New Orleans Saints: Despite a shaky start, the Saints have displayed resilience and possess a strong running game. Their playoff hopes depend on consistent offensive performances from their quarterback and a dominant defense. They need to avoid crucial mistakes and capitalise on their remaining winnable games. Key to success: Offensive consistency and strong defensive play to control the clock.

Factors Influencing Their Playoff Chances:

Several factors beyond team performance will influence the playoff race:

• Divisional matchups: Winning divisional games is paramount. These victories offer crucial tiebreakers and establish dominance within the division.
• Injury situations: The health of key players, particularly quarterbacks, can drastically alter a team's trajectory.
• Strength of schedule: Facing weaker opponents in the final stretch provides a valuable opportunity to accumulate wins.

Conclusion:

The NFL playoffs are always unpredictable. While some teams are clear favorites, the fringe contenders mentioned above have the potential to make a significant impact. Their success will hinge on consistency, health, and capitalizing on favorable matchups. Keep your eye on these teams – they could be the surprise story of the 2023 NFL season.

Call to Action: Who do you think has the best chance of making a surprising playoff run? Share your predictions in the comments below!